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Yating Yang

Chinese secondary schoolteachers have introduced a new way of motivating pupils by awarding them “digital pets” that they can adopt online.
The move has gained widespread attention and support.
Recently, primary and secondary schoolteachers across China introduced an innovative “class pet-raising programme” in which pupils earn points for good behaviour to “feed” and nurture virtual pets.

At the start of the new school semester, Liu Qianqian, a class head teacher at Hangzhou Shenglan Middle School, Zhejiang province in southeastern China, decided to assign a virtual pet to each of her 35 pupils.
The platform has 46 types of pets to choose from.
In addition to common animals like cats, dogs, pigs and ducks, it also features more unusual options such as mini pigs, Samoyeds, and sugar gliders.
“I used a free platform that allows each student to choose a pet they like. They can earn points through their performance at school to feed and upgrade their pets. It both motivates learning and feels very therapeutic,” Liu told Zhejiang Daily Press Group.
The approach builds on a similar system she used last semester, when pupils earned points to exchange for snacks by completing tasks such as finishing homework early, taking part in classroom cleaning or helping classmates.

This semester, she refined the system by allowing students to use points to raise “digital pets”.
“It is more interactive and the students find it more fun,” she said.
The pets have eight levels, each with a different form. Pupils earn points to feed and upgrade their pets.
For instance, they can earn one point for excellent homework or praise from teachers, two points for helping classmates and five points for acts of honesty such as returning lost items.

Points can also be deducted for poor behaviour.
Liu said that among the pupils, those who love animals are the most excited about the scheme.
“At this age, many pupils love pets. Some already have cats at home, while others want one but do not have the time or energy, so they especially enjoy these electronic pets,” Liu said.
Xiaoxu, a pupil who has two cats at home, said her academic performance had previously been average but this semester she decided to work harder for her virtual pet.
“I have a tabby and a calico at home, so this time I specifically chose a rag doll cat that I have never had before. Its big eyes are so beautiful. These electronic pets are really fun and it is like opening a blind box. You never know what it will grow into. I want to strive for high scores in all my final exams,” she said.

In another viral video online, a teacher shared lively classroom moments in which students lined up eagerly to recite their lessons so their electronic pets would not starve.
The system has gained widespread support among Chinese parents.
One person wrote online: “People are most motivated when they have something to care about.”
Another said: “My son felt sorry that his little dolphin could only eat jellyfish, so he studied hard to level it up and now it can eat fish.”


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Virtual cats, dogs, even dolphins see classmates up their academic game for points with which they can feed, upgrade their digital companions


Virtual cats, dogs, even dolphins see classmates up their academic game for points with which they can feed, upgrade their digital companions.


China education

New China school system rewards diligent pupils with ‘digital pets’ to motivate them

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Virtual cats, dogs, even dolphins see classmates up their academic game for points with which they can feed, upgrade their digital companions

Virtual cats, dogs, even dolphins see classmates up their academic game for points with which they can feed, upgrade their digital companions